Lab Values and Diagnostic Testing Flashcards
Female Hemoglobin (Hgb)
12-16 g/dL
Low: Bleeding or anemia
High: Polycythemia
Male Hemoglobin (Hgb)
14-18 g/dL
Low: Bleeding or anemia
High Polycythemia
Female Hematocrit (Hct)
37-47%
% by volume of red blood cells in blood
Low: Fluid overload
High: Dehydration
Male Hematocrit (Hct)
45-52%
% by volume of red blood cells in blood
Low Fluid overload
High: Dehydration
Platelet Count
150,000-400,000
Low: Risk for bleeding
High: Risk for excessive clotting
White Blood Cell (WBC) Count
5,000-10,000
Low: Immunocompromised
High: Infection
Sodium (Na)
136-145 mEG/L
High/low impacts neurological function
Potassium (K)
3.5-5.0 mEG/L
High/low impacts heart muscle
Calcium (Ca)
8.4-10.5 mg/dL
Impacts heart muscle and skeletal muscle
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
10-20 mg/dL
Low: fluid overload or liver disease
High: Renal disease or dehydration
Glucose
70-110 mg/dL
Low: Hypoglycemia
High: Diabetes or adrenal gland abnormalities
Female Creatinine
0.5-1.1 mg/dL
Low: Impaired nutrition
High: Renal disease
Male Creatinine
0.6-1.2 mg/dL
Low: Impaired Nutrition
High: Renal disease
Coagulation Studies:
International Normalized Ratio (INR)
0.76-1.27
Low: Risk for clotting
High: Risk for bleeding
Coagulation Studies:
Prothrombin Time (PT)
11-12.5 seconds
Low: Risk for clotting
High: Risk for bleeding
Coagulation Studies:
Partial Thromboplastin Time
60-70 seconds
Low: Risk for clotting
High: Risk for bleeding
Arterial Blood Gases:
Acid-Base Balance
7.35-7.45
Low: Acidosis
High: Alkalosis
Arterial Blood Gases:
Partial Pressure of Oxygen (pO2)
80-100 mmHg
Low: Hypoxia
High: Increased O2 levels in inhaled air
Arterial Blood Gases:
Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide (pCO2)
35-45 mmHG
Low: Acidosis
High: Alkalosis
Arterial Blood Gases:
Bicarbonate (HCO3)
21-28 mEG/L
Low: Acidosis
High: Alkalosis
Non-invasive test that involves using cross-sections to provide an image:
Computed Tomography (CT)
*Screen for allergies and renal disease due to use of dye
Most common diagnostic tool that exposes the body to a small dose of radiation:
X-Ray
Uses sound waves to assess size, shape, or fluid in organ or cavity:
Ultrasound
*No special precautions
Uses magnetic fields to create images - commonly used for ischemic strokes or soft tissues damage:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
*Client must be screened for implanted metal
Total Cholesterol
Normal Range: < 200 mg/dL
High Density Lipoproteins (HDL)
Good Cholesterol
Normal Range: > 55 mg/dL
Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL)
Bad Cholesterol
Normal Range: < 130 mg/dL
Uses scope with camera to visualize area:
Direct Visualization - Scopes
*Endoscopy (esophagus), Bronchoscopy (air passages), Arthroscopy (joints)
Uses radioactive isotope injected into client and then client is scanned:
Nuclear Diagnostic Scan
*Client requires IV
Uses small needle to withdraw fluid through surgical incision for analysis:
“-centesis”
*Invasive, client NPO if sedated
*Paracentesis (peritoneal cavity), Thoracentesis (pleural space between lung and chest wall), Amniocentesis (amniotic fluid)
Sample of body tissue taken for analysis:
Biopsy
*Invasive, clients sedated and NPO
Nursing Process: ADPIE
Assess
Diagnose/Analyze
Plan
Implement
Evaluate
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs:
Highest: Physiological Needs
Safety Needs
Love and Belonging
Esteem Needs
Lowest: Self-actualization
Common Symptoms of STI:
Discharge from penis, vagina, or anus
Pain during sex
Blisters/sores
Fever
Human Immunodeficiency Disorder (HIV)
Transmitted: Contaminated needles/blood products or vaginal/anal/oral intercourse
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
*Most Common STI
Transmitted: Direct contact with genital warts, semen, and other fluids
Chlamydia
*Bacterial Infection - can cause infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease if not treated quickly
Assessment Sexual Health: PLISSIT
Permission
Limited Information is relayed about clients sexual health
Specific Suggestions
Intensive Therapy
Focuses on improved health outcomes for an entire population - Primary care and health education, proper nutrition, maternal child health care, family planning, immunizations, disease control
Primary Health Care
Disease-oriented and focused on reducing and controlling risk factors for disease through activities - Immunization and occupational health programs, helmets/seatbelts, education, maternity care, BP screening
Client Preventative Services
Measures to prevent illness across a population
Population-Base Health Care
Clients treated for illness or injury that needs care beyond primary care - Acute inpatient, ER care, etc.
Secondary Health Care
Client receives care for injury or illness but care is more specialized - Intensive care, long-term acute care
Tertiary Health Care
Client has had an illness or injury and needs extended care after an acute problem - Rehab, skilled nursing facility, cardia rehab, home health
Restorative Care
Client can’t care for themselves without assistance for prolonged period or even for the rest of their life - Hospice, nursing homes, assisted living, adult day care, respite care
Continuing Care
Prioritizing Problems:
High: problems that will cause loss of life or limb
Intermediate: problems that are physical but not immediately life threatening or emergent
Low: problems that are psychosocial or require education
Acronym for Writing Outcomes (SMART):
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Time specified
Clinical Judgement Model:
*Created by National Council of State Nursing Boards (NCSBN)
Recognizing cues
Analyzing cues
Prioritizing hypotheses
Generating solutions
Take actions
Evaluating outcomes
Isotope scan of oxygen flow, glucose metabolism, and blood flow - gives info about physiology of area
Positron emission tomography (PET)
Five Components of Critical Thinking:
Knowledge Base
Experience
Critical Thinking Competencies
Attitudes
Standards for Critical Thinking
